Samba, June 3: With the aim of promoting sports and steering youth away from drug abuse, the Samba Cricket Premier League (SCPL) Under-19 Cricket Tournament commenced with great enthusiasm at Kehli Ground, Samba, under the banner of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyan.

The opening ceremony witnessed an overwhelming response from young cricketers and sports enthusiasts. The event was graced by Jagdish Singh, Ajay Bharti, and several prominent citizens of Samba, who encouraged the participating players and appreciated the initiative aimed at channeling the energy of youth towards positive activities.

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries highlighted the importance of sports in building discipline, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle while stressing the need to keep young generations away from the menace of drugs.

The tournament began with the inaugural match between Samba Fighters and Purmandal Panthers, setting the stage for an exciting cricketing competition. Players from both teams displayed remarkable enthusiasm and competitive spirit, drawing cheers from spectators present at the ground.

Organizers stated that the tournament is not only a platform for nurturing young cricketing talent but also serves as a powerful message in support of a drug-free society. Several matches are scheduled in the coming days, with teams from different areas of Samba district participating in the event.